?Chapter 1631:


    Sharon nodded emphatically, her eyes filled with worry she could no longer hide. Neither of them had seen the wound itself, but the blood that had seeped through the bandage told them everything they needed to know. It was bad.


    Ste’s mind drifted back to what had transpired at the vi. She lowered her gaze and drew in a slow, steadying breath. When she looked up at them again, her voice carried a quiet helplessness. “He felt terrible once he calmed down. Right now, he genuinely can’t control his emotions or his actions. As long as I understand he didn’t mean it, that’s enough for me. He just needs time to get better.”


    Hearing those words, Sharon was struck by a painful sense of déjà vu. This was exactly how Ste used to talk about Marc — blindly devoted, brushing off every warning, convinced of his love no matter what the evidence suggested. With that memory weighing on her, Sharon spoke with renewed urgency. “Stel, I understand you feel sorry for him, butpassion shouldn’t turn into indulgence. If he truly cares about you, he should be seeking treatment for your sake — not continuing to hurt you over and over again.”


    Ste pressed her lips together before responding. “He’s already undergoing treatment, and Jewell and I are doing everything we can to help him work through those memories.”


    Sharon’s anger dimmed somewhat at hearing this. “As long as he’s willing to get help, that’s something. I’m just terrified he doesn’t care about you the way he should.”


    Ste recognized the fear beneath her friend’s frustration and offered a small, reassuring smile. “I know, Sharon. I do.”


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    Josie continued stirring her coffee, the repetitive motion almost meditative, before she spoke softly. “Stel, William needs to face his issues on his own terms, and you need to put yourself first. Your well-being matters.”


    The sight of Ste’s bandaged arm had left both Sharon and Josie with an ache they couldn’t quite shake. Ste reached out and gently sped their hands, her tone warm as she tried to ease the worry etched across their faces. “I understand, both of you. Thank you for always looking out for me the way you do. I promise I’ll take better care of myself from now on.”


    Sharon let out a long sigh, her expression gradually softening. “That’s all we want to hear.”


    The three of them exchanged smiles, and the tension that had hung over the table finally began to dissipate.


    Sharon abruptly shifted gears, rubbing her stomach with an exaggerated groan. “All right, enough heavy talk. Let’s find somewhere to eat. I know a new restaurant just a few blocks from here, and I’m absolutely famished.”


    Ste rose from the table and followed as Sharon led the way.


    The ce lived up to its reputation — elegantly decorated and bathed in soft amber lighting that cast a warm glow over delicatendscape paintings on the walls. They arrived during the dinner rush, the restaurant packed with well-dressed customers, the background violin music half-swallowed by the hum of conversation. The waitress guided them to a window seat with a view of the nighttime street below.


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